Even if a few minute trip home from local shopping would be the same as a 25 minute ride, which it’s obviously not, the former was A ONE TIME OCCURENCE.
And the kugel was probably not allowed for health reasons, which again maybe wasn’t the best choice but a far cry from covering up and undermining a marriage.
I know people that don’t tell their spouse everywhere they go (innocent places) to prevent criticism (“oh, you went to this and this function, Chezky could have used your help with Gemara tonight.”) Personally, I don’t think that’s a good idea, but understandable.
But covering up an ongoing situation that may escalate dangerously is a recipe for marital disaster, and IT WILL BLOW UP WHEN SHE FINDS OUT even if “nothing happens”. Just simply the fact that he didn’t tell her will make her suspicious. I can’t believe posters here are advocating it. That’s the opposite of common sense.